“The elder son, meanwhile, was away on the farm; and on his way home, as he drew near the house, he heard music and dancing; whereupon he called one of the servants and asked what all this meant. He told him, Thy brother has come back, and thy father has killed the fattened calf, glad to have him restored safe and sound. At this he fell into a rage, and would not go in. When his father came out and tried to win him over, he answered his father thus, Think how many years I have lived as thy servant, never transgressing thy commands, and thou hast never made me a present of a kid, to make merry with my friends; and now, when this son of thine has come home, one that has swallowed up his patrimony in the company of harlots, thou hast killed the fattened calf in his honor. He said to him, My son, thou art always at my side, and everything that I have is already thine; but for this merry-making and rejoicing there was good reason; thy brother here was dead, and has come to life again; was lost, and is found.” (Luke 15:25-32)
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is probably the most famous parable of Jesus, deservedly so. It speaks powerfully about God’s infinite love, God’s infinite mercy, forgiveness, and the potential for salvation no matter what we have done in the past.
Today, though, I reflect on the older brother. He is an obedient son, faithful to his father in all of his commands. Clearly the father loves him and shares everything with him; his father tells him so despite the older son’s lack of charity toward his younger brother. A lack of charity is a terrible sin, and although it’s easy to understand why the older brother is indignant, his attitude nevertheless reveals not only a lack of charity, but a surge of envy and pride as well. The older son loves his father, is obedient to his father, but is not yet very much like his father.
Goodness, a father’s work is never done! The minute his biggest problem, the spiritual ruin of his younger son, is joyously resolved, he must turn right around and deal with his other son’s lack of gratitude, lack of understanding, and lack of love. I wonder if the father succeeded in winning over his older son. If the father had failed, the parable would have a sequel. But since there is no sequel, I think the older son did come around.
The father’s boundless love and patience and tenderness are present in his relationship with both sons. Considering the situation of the older son, I’m reminded to avoid spiritual pride, to think that God “owes” me something for being “good.” Such a disposition brings sorrow to my Father.
Prayer
Lord, Let me always be thankful for grace, your mercy, and your love. Help me to be always charitable, especially when my selfish nature blinds me to your grace.
